Meet the Makers: Akron Bazaar April 6th
Turn around, bright eyes! It's time for the first Akron Bazaar event of 2024. We've got a new venue, new artists and there will be approximately eleventy million people in town for Monday's eclipse, hence our Total Eclipse of the (Market) theme!
RSVP by clicking "going" on our Facebook event to help us reach more people and be sure to follow us on both Facebook and Instagram.
Where is the new space? 159 South Main, right in the heart of downtown by the Civic and Lock 3, at the corner of Bowery. There is plenty of parking (the county garage is immediately behind us, not to mention many other lots and street spaces). We'll be there 10:00-4:00.
Akron Bazaar Eclipse banner designed by Emily Kuhn.
Meet the Makers:
Stephanie Baumberger, Sand Witch and Sage
“Sand Witch and Sage was created by Stephanie Baumberger--a multimedia artist with a focus in block printing and sculpting whether that be ceramics or polymer clay. Her designs are inspired by all things nature, witchy, spooky and cute."
Jen Sale, Belle Weathered
“for old souls, young hearts & kindred spirits; belle weathered is a unique collection of handmade creations with a special love for all things worn, weathered & forgotten. from vintage leather, tin & glass jewelry to an evocative line of natural perfumes to vintage ephemera collage art match strike jars; all items are made with love & intent."
Matt Mathie, Charmed Beard Oil Co.
“Awaken your beard with the revitalizing magic of organic herbal infusions. Beard, body and skin care products made with organic, vegan & cruelty-free ingredients. Unique scent blends from pure essential oils and inspired by medieval/gothic themes, the Tarot, and folklore."
Deborah Shapiro, Deborah Shapiro Art
“Collage art made from bits of magazine pages."
Kelsey Allman, Wild Blends Apparel
“Wild Blends Apparel creates tie dye sweatshirts, t-shirts and graphic shirts with a focus on fun and seasonal graphics. We also create unique tote bags, canvas pouches and tie dye scrunchies!"
Jen Davis, Edifice Art
“I'm Jen from Edifice Art. I describe myself as an Energy Artist. I create jewelry, divination boards, tarot card holders, crystal holders, woodcut lamps and many bookish things. I give each and every piece I create intention and trust that it finds the person who was meant to have it!"
Jessica Tarr, Jupiter's Moons Art Glass
“Jessica has been in love with all forms of glass art for as long as she can remember. A couple of years ago she was finally afforded the opportunity to learn the art of stained glass and was hooked from her first project. Jupiter’s Moons was created as a way to share the art in a fun and different way than the traditional stained glass window."
Lucy Williams, Boundary & Thorn
“Boundary and Thorn's products celebrate the joy of life with art prints and greeting cards centered on food, drinks, nature, and positivity. Our products are illustrated by Lucy and printed with a local vendor in Cleveland, OH, with love and care."
Eric Strickland, Funky Designs Unique Concrete
“I make beautiful jewelry, décor, and art using pigmented concrete. I blend colors of my fine artisan mix of fiber reinforced concrete to create organic designs in unique forms. Each piece is hand sanded and sealed to protect the art. My handmade concrete jewelry stones are mounted on stainless steel settings. They are surprisingly smooth and lightweight. My décor includes bookends, coasters, planters, and incense burners. My artwork comes in several formats, including pigmented concrete on stretched canvas and pieces floating in laser-cut acrylic forms. Each piece is unique and has colors ranging from subtle to bold."
Rachel Raymond + Math Byler, XRAEART Clothing Co.
“We're an independent, original graphic alternative streetwear brand based out of the Midwest. Blurring the lines between the gritty dark and the vibrant sweet, the tag team duo of Rachel Ruby Raymond and Math Byler have been pushing out art and endlessly grinding to share their visions with the masses and fight for their place as a small business in the world of streetwear fashion."
Mary Clark, Tiny Cloud Ceramics
“Tiny Cloud Ceramics makes one of a kind kitschy-cute functional ceramics. Their work mixes retro-futurist surface design with kawaii culture and candy coloring to make something uniquely delightful. Be it a mug with a neat twinkling pattern, weird nondescript blobs with faces, or a pair of animal friends frolicking, each piece is lovingly crafted in Akron, Ohio."
Josh + Jamie Sheets, Ol' Dirty Sheets' Hot Sauce
“Ol' Dirty Sheets' is a small batch, handcrafted hot sauce company out of Wooster, Ohio. They use simple and natural ingredients that are layered together to create their hot sauce recipes. Jamie and Josh are the four hands behind all of their products, and they currently have five flavors of hot sauce and two spice blends. Stop by their booth for free samples!"
Lori Parnell, Black Culture Candles
“Let Black Culture Candles take you on a scent journey through the moments that connect us. Each candle is inspired by a shared memory or experience and meticulously handcrafted with natural vegan wax, set with crackling wood wicks and individually engraved for an exceptional candle-burning experience."
Erica + Sarah Kurfis, Snarky Pants Studios
“We're sisters from Ohio creating unique, playfully irreverent gifts for those people who are snarky at heart. First Sarah sketches an idea, then Erica makes it perfect and sends it out for printing. We turn our designs into greeting cards, vinyl stickers, canvas bags, enamel key chains, pins and buttons, scout-style achievement badges for your pets to earn for protecting you against the mailman, hiding a bone, or bringing you the best "gift", and Sarah crochets super cute amigurumi plush toys, like turtles and bees!"
Samantha Bako, figmentpudding
“I’m an illustrator and artist, graphic designer and generalist, polymath and multipotentialite. Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the 5 year old in all of us who just wants to stomp puddles and carry toads around in our shirt pockets and poke at caterpillars. My mission is to open a keyhole to the awe and wonder of nature, to run barefoot through the fields of the mind, to curiously wriggle our toes in the mud and goo of the mundane instead of letting it bog us down. By digitally creating whimsical cartoons and fantastical illustrations and making them available in a variety of contexts such as prints, stickers and everyday useful things, I hope to bring these little joyful reminders into everyday life. figmentpudding celebrates and embraces weirdness and exalts the awkward. Sometimes we’re adorable, sometimes we’re scandalous, sometimes we’re adorably scandalous. But always we remember to Be The Weird You Want to See in the World."
Krista Beitl, Chewlinka G.E.A.R.
“We make dog collars, bowties, collar flowers, bandanas and t-shirts for dog lovers. We also design some of our own fabric allowing us to have unique products. We are passionate about animal rescue and donate a portion of our sales to local animal rescues in northeast Ohio."
Kaylee DeWitt, DeWitt Glass Design
“Kaylee DeWitt, the artist behind DeWitt Glass Design, creates modern stained glass and fused glass products. She creates all of her items in her home studio in Canton. Kaylee is regularly inspired by nature, but nothing is off limits as she enjoys simply playing with color."
Elisha Hobe, Hobe's Wooden Bowls
“Hobe's wooden bowls makes thing on a wood lathe and other stuff."
Melissa O'Brien, Melissa O'Brien Designs
“i enjoy designing and creating jewelry that is understated, elegant, modern, and wearable. I make each piece by hand and strive to create pieces that are casual enough to wear with jeans, but elegant enough to wear for an evening out. I get excited by the act of creating and the process of transforming an idea into something real that can be held in your hand. Rarely do I start with a concrete idea, I prefer to allow the creative process to happen organically. I am most inspired with shaping and forming and the use of positive and negative space, using traditional metalsmithing techniques."
Autumn Johnston, The Pierogi Lady
“We hand make over 150 varieties of pierogi. We make traditional, vegan, and gluten free pierogi. At events our menu has 4 varieties of pierogi, chicken paprikash, haluski and sometimes other ethnic dishes. We also bring a freezer with take home pierogi."
Haley Mortensen, Haley Mortensen Illustration
“Haley Mortensen is an illustrator and designer from Cleveland, and enjoys storytelling and creating characters through her work. She uses traditional and digital mediums, with an emphasis on marker and gouache. This artwork is then featured on art prints, stationery, and gift items."
Hope Hickman, Hope Hickman Studios
“Hope Hickman is a queer multimedia artist from the suburbs of Akron, OH. She is predominantly self-taught, having received a handful of informal mentors in the arts both in Ohio and around Asheville, North Carolina. Her career began roughly in 2020 and over the past three years she has had the opportunity to focus on building her studios and finding her voice as an artist. Currently, Hope’s work investigates the mundane and the ironic, with particular attention to contemporary life within the American suburbs. She enjoys depicting manicured lawns, above ground pools, and angry dogs. In addition to her paintings and sculptural work, she is well known for her ceramic jewelry. That of which recycles antiquated motifs in metalsmithing. It is ironically made of dirt and toilet paper then coated in 22K gold and is part of a larger discussion examining value, desirability, and capitalism."
Tiffany Boyle, Confetti Moon
“Confetti Moon is a woman-owned, creative, small business... equal parts love & rebellion! My products are an amalgam of 90's nostalgia, modern pop culture, and social justice. The primary goal is to smash the patriarchy one craft at a time and have fun while doing it."
Ashley Smith, Atlas & Aether
“Atlas & Aether is a handmade jewelry brand by Cleveland local artist, Ashley Smith. She creates copper electroformed gemstone jewelry using a variety of traditional metalsmithing techniques, 3D printing, and more. From her dainty rosecut gemstone stacker rings to her whimsical large statement necklaces, Atlas & Aether has you covered for every occasion!"
Kristin LaFine, Wild Roots Herbal Care
“I am a trained community herbalist with a specialization in making herbal infused remedies with purpose. We create organic herbal remedies all carefully crafted to promote overall well being and balance. I believe in the power of plants and have seen first hand the transformative effects they can have on people's health. I am passionate about sharing this knowledge with others and empowering them to take control of their own health through natural remedies. I am dedicated to providing high quality herbal products and personalized guidance to support your wellness journey."
Malorie Martin, Arts by Malorie
“Arts By Malorie is a small art business run by me, Malorie Martin, out of Youngstown, Ohio. The main focus is on creating art by hand carving images into linoleum blocks, and then printing them with ink on to paper and textiles. Subjects of the work range from insects to local architecture. The history of printmaking is centuries old, and I'm very interested in exploring how this ancient art form continues to thrive and evolve in the digital age."
Jennifer Scott, The Ash House
“The Ash House makes handcrafted soap and body products with all natural ingredients as well as clean burning hand poured candles. We focus on sharing the ancient art of soap making with our customers as well as keeping our products free of plastic packaging, palm oil, or artificial colors. Our soaps are made with local and fair trade ingredients when possible. Each soap is made with thought and intention and a love for our natural world all while keeping in mind the aesthetics of a beautiful product."
Kyle Kukwa, Mirrored K Studio
“Inspired by the everyday use of pottery from our collective past, we strive to inspire a resurgence of pottery use in our modern lives. Transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary with the use of one of a kind handmade ceramic items."
Alexander Draven, The ExCB
"The ExCB is a proud creator of hand forged timepieces & fine sterling silver jewelry for anyone looking for uniqueness and quality. Whether it is a custom order or a production item, every piece is meticulously designed and constructed by Alexander Draven from start to finish.
Unlike other watch companies that claim to make their own timepieces and merely import or assemble them, only The ExCB is the one man operation creating unique watches completely by hand."
Susan Hazel Rich, Hazelmade
“Hazelmade is a collection of illustrated paper and home goods by Susan Hazel Rich. Each design is thoughtfully hand-drawn and carefully paired with the highest quality environmentally friendly papers, durable cotton fabrics, and minimal earth friendly packaging. I am proud to say my entire line is Midwest / USA Made. I use USA sourced materials whenever possible. My products are functional pieces of art with bold colors, fresh florals, and a modern twist on vintage themes; they are a beautiful addition to any home."
Krystal Tomlinson, Live Dream Create
“Live Dream Create specializes in handsewn plushies made with felt, fleece, and similar cuddly and colorful fabrics. Their collection features a rotating lineup of “non-traditional" adorable animals and cute creatures - including bats, jellyfish, aliens, and mushroom folk. They also share a love for food-themed toys, playsets, and decor, such as sundae or s’more playsets, popular pierogi ornaments, and even cuddly dino-nugget pillows that are perfect to show off on your couch or bed! The best thing about Live Dream Create’s plushies, is that they’re designed to be fun and bring joyous smiles to everyone - kids *and* adults!"
Kili Watson, My Turquoise Kitten
“Handmade miniature food earrings made with love and polymer clay."
Steveland Arnold, Oh So Dapper Soap Company
“Oh So Dapper Soap Company offers mens handmade soap as well as beard care and lip balms. As a Pharmacist with a YouTube channel that teaches men’s style and fashion and does product reviews, I wanted to offer my subscribers a product that could benefit them. I had a video that went viral that focused on ranking a my top 5 soap bar created by a larger soap making company. Because I got noticed about my soap review videos, a lot of my other soap videos began to get more views. While creating these videos I grow to appreciate and understand why using handmade soap over mass produces body wash and bar soap was important. With some of my experience with pharmacy compounding and my love for handmade soap, I created Oh So Dapper Soap Company in August of 2021. The bar soaps that we offer are handmade and all natural with masculine scents. We also offer beard oil and a leave-in condition for beards and are looking to expand the beard line in the future. The lip balms were created to give an all natural product for lips that men could use as well."
Leigh Hughes, HoneyBee's Soap
“HoneyBee’s Soap is a husband and wife team who began making handmade, cold-process soap in their little Highland Square apartment kitchen the summer they got married in 2002. They’ve been creating hand-crafted, artisan soaps for more than 20 years. What started as a hobby soon became a passion! All of their soaps are pH balanced and palm oil free. They pride themselves on being environmentally conscience by using minimal packaging, natural ingredients, and essential oils, and strive to use sustainably harvested and organic materials whenever possible. All bars are handmade with ❤️ in Akron."
Alysse Boyd, Stuffed Hot Cocoa Bombs
“As the owner of Rocky River-based Stuffed Hot Cocoa Bombs, Alysse combines her imaginative flair and love for cooking to craft small batch, handmade cocoa bombs. Her delicious, and equally beautiful and unique designs, are meticulously created to enjoy as part of a holiday celebration or any special occasion clients can think of and might request. She is know for her hot cocoa bomb characters and coffee creamer bombs."
Sarah Pierce, Pierce Jewelry
“Pierce Jewelry offers a wide variety of handcrafted, original items. All of the jewelry is created using sterling silver, 14K gold and gemstones. Each piece starts out as basic wire or sheet and is then cut, formed, soldered, hammered, finished and set as needed. The additional use of vitreous enamels adds color and depth to the line. The signature leaf shape and hammer texture is evident across the entire line of jewelry."
Tracy Bower, Tracy Darlin'
“Tracy Darlin' makes loungewear, accessories & home goods for people who enjoy turning old into new. Each product is sustainably handcrafted from vintage fabrics in Akron, OH with the goal of creating a beautiful & functional heirloom for you and your family to enjoy for generations to come. With a bit of imagination and elbow grease, any fabric's story can be rewritten. Let us share those stories with you!"
Emily Moon, Peachie Kei
“I make colorful art that is meant to honor everyone's inner child ranging from accessories to home fragrances. Everything is designed with love in Canton, Ohio!"
Kate Craine, Sweet Punkette
“I use previously damaged vinyl records to create clocks and multiple styles of jewelry. 45rpm record clocks are made from the actual 45 record single. They make awesome gifts, especially when customers find that special artist or song! The cuffs are hand painted and are hand-sanded and shaped. The earrings are cut from the original record labels- all completely one-of-a-kind. In addition, I make large pendant necklaces featuring tarot cards and celebrity mug shots- they make great conversation pieces! My shop name comes from my nickname given to me by Betsey Johnson. When I worked for her, she would call me her "Sweet Punkette""
David Huffman, Bitchy Vegan Homo
“Bitchy Vegan Homo is a vegan baker best known for his Best Damn Brownies and Oatmeal Cream Pies. He believes in taking his desserts, but not himself, seriously."
Robyn Durlin, NARFdesign LLC
“NARFdesign (Nearly All Robyn’s Fantastic design) is a collection of sea/beach glass jewelry created by Robyn Peterson Durlin, inspired by her love of beachcombing while kayaking on Lake Erie. The sea/beach glass in each beach/nautical/abstract jewelry design can be traced to a specific coastal region, and primarily features glass that she has hand-picked herself."
Danielle Capotosto, Dippity and Snark
“Dippity and Snark is an independent design studio offering cards, stationery, and illustrated goods. Dippity and Snark was created by Danielle, a graphic designer, and illustrator. Each design is drawn by hand and features Danielle’s signature sense of humor. You'll find so many fun goodies from stickers and stuffies to sassy greeting cards. Dippity and Snark is your one-stop gift shop!"
Kelly McGreehan, Kay-Em Apparel
“Cleveland and outdoor inspired apparel and merchandise. Using pop culture and the love of the outdoors to create relatable and eye catching products!"
Tae Hattery, Wednesday Workshop
“We make handmade bags, accessories and novelties in fun video game, pop culture and alternative fashion! We offer extended sizing and accessibility adaptations at no extra charge. We also offer custom work, gift certificates and pay it forward options. Each month we choose a different cause to support, either local to our bodies or our spirits."
Samantha Carey, Sam Jam Creative
“At Sam Jam Creative, we create thoughtfully made, handmade polymer clay jewelry and accessories. This diverse material is extremely lightweight and slightly flexible and can be transformed into something beautiful and delicate. That means you get earrings that are large and in charge without being heavy on your ears. These pieces are often adorned with carefully curated brass and gold-filled pieces, giving them an extra dose of sophistication. These intricately crafted earrings are lightweight, bold, and the perfect statement piece. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant abstract piece or a dainty dangle, Sam Jam Creative has a pair of earrings that will fit you. Our ultimate goal is to make you feel more beautiful than you already are!"
Brent Wesley, Akron Honey
“We're a super fun & delicious honey brand. We make honey so good that it goes on everything 💥"
Jessica Paris, J. Paris Designs
“I make three dimensional wood artwork cut by hand on a tabletop scrollsaw. Inspired by bright colors, pop culture, vintage elements, and nostalgic designs, my subject matter changes with my mood. One day I'm turning a piece of wood into a 1990s troll complete with fluffy hair, the next day I'm replicating a 1970s Merry Mushroom canister to look as realistic as possible. The greatest compliment I receive at events is "Wow, I've never seen something like this before!"
Charles Strasshofer, Chuck Stuff
“I create functional tableware by either throwing clay on a potter's wheel or by folding thin slabs of clay. The glazes I use on my pots is also formulated by myself using raw materials, a process I very much enjoy."
Sara Rockburn, 2 ODD BIRDS
“2 ODD BIRD's passion is to bring you edgy, nature-inspired jewelry. Completely sourced from Mother Nature, I hand pick every stone and compliment each piece with brass that has been through an oxidation process, giving an aged- weathered appeal. I work in small batches transforming pieces into unique and beautiful wearable jewelry for you to love and appreciate over time."
Gabbi Turner, The Handmade Honey Bun
“Gabbi Turner is the owner and operator of The Handmade Honey Bun. She crochets fun and cute Kawaii Amigurumi plushies that bring people joy through their happy colors, and cute little faces."
Missi Sidwell, 1UP Gallery
“1UP Gallery loves retro gaming! They create fun housewares and accessories with a dash of pop culture. Their unique handcrafted pieces make great gifts (or you can treat yourself, we're not judging)."
Samantha Phillips, Venus In Aquarius Apothica
“Venus In Aquarius Apothica specializes in Astrological Aromatherapy and a variety of conscious aromatics, whole botanical body care, and seasonal herbalism. Our intention since day one is to formulate high quality products that bring out your natural glow, and invite you to tend to your inner world. In return, carving time for rest, relaxation, ritual, and recalibration so you can tend to your whole divine self and radiance. All of our botanicals are sourced from regional herb farms, from certified organic suppliers, or wildcrafted. We never use artificial fragrance oils."
Kelsey Angeli, Tanglewood Workshop
“Tanglewood Workshop is a small wood shop, based out of Canton, that focuses on making pieces of functional natural decor with just a touch of whimsy to them. While I have a full wood shop available and certainly use it; turning on the lathe is truly what makes up the heart of the work. Much of my work has a timeless style to it, but we love adding fun twists that plays with those classic ideas. Using only carefully selected local wood, each piece- whether it is a set of bookends, charcuterie boards, or the all time classic lathe project- bowls, highlights the natural beauty of the wood they are made from. I delight in turning wood that is often considered scrap and giving it new life! Depending of the intended use and type of wood, I will turn both freshly harvested wood that is still full of moisture (green) and wood that has been let to dry and stabilize. By creating pieces from the "wild wood" of naturally fallen trees I am always pushed as an artist to find the best use for each individual piece. I enjoy experimenting with wood dyes and resins as well. The pieces that include resin and dyed portions always aim to enhance the beauty of the wood, not eclipse it because showcasing the natural beauty of the wood is always the main focus."
Dylan Kamalay, Water Bear Clay Co.
“Water Bear Clay Co. is a small women-owned business that was established in late 2019 and specializes in handmade polymer clay jewelry. Polymer clay as a material is incredibly lightweight, which allows for statement styles without the sacrifice of comfort. Made with hypoallergenic metals, eclectic shapes, and intentionally mixed colors; we strive to create products with longevity and sustainability in mind. We believe in the playful spirit of water with the way it adapts and forgives, a flexible force of nature that we hope to emulate in our art."
Addy Neilson, Tangled Earth Arts
“Tangled Earth Arts specializes in unique, fantasy inspired jewelry, art and accessories, using techniques based in both metalworking and chainmaille. Each piece is handmade using high quality materials such as copper, bronze, brass, stainless steel, and titanium. My signature copper patina and titanium anodizing let me create colors and patterns that are truly one of a kind, and just a little bit magical."
Randy Crider, Randy Crider
“Randy Crider is a Lakewood, Ohio based Illustrator best known for live painting and his work with Brite Winter. Recently he’s been making screen-printed posters by hand in a DIY home studio. Pulling from years of drawings normally hidden away in sketchbooks, he focuses on reimagining well-worn ideas alongside a cavalcade of spacemen, monsters, and skeletons. Every print is limited to fewer than 100 copies and are signed and numbered by the artist on the back."
Matthew Rees, Be Better Goods
“Hi, we are Gabby and Matthew, cofounders of Be Better Goods: an Akron-based, family-owned company on a mission to upend the toxic home cleaning products industry. Armed with our inside knowledge of the industry from our time in petrochemical manufacturing and regulatory compliance, we created a portfolio of non-toxic, highly effective home cleaning and laundry solutions. We are launching Be Better Goods in March 2024 with three spray cleaners: Multi-Surface (4 scent options), Bathroom (4 scent options), and Glass & Mirror (unscented). Our scents are 100% essential oil blends which provides flexibility to offer seasonal options and bespoke/blend-your-own options at markets. Through the end of the year, we will be launching laundry solutions (Liquid Laundry detergent and Scent & Soften booster), dish solutions (Washing Up Liquid and solid dish soap), and tablet solutions (toilet bowl bricks and tiny tabs). We are proud to be 100% made in the USA, from ingredients to our small-batch, manufacturing. Better products need better packaging. Our bottles reduce plastic waste by at least 70% by using recycled paperboard for rigidity. We help customers magnify this impact by offering ready-to-use refill pouches."
Dejah Nixon, Nuni Products
“Nuni Products is a planted-based body-care line, aiming to aid with everyday skin concerns with natural ingredients. We are a sister duo, with a passion for formulating and ever-expanding knowledge of the skin, charged to share their creations. We strive to provide a product you're excited to grab each day. Nuni Products creates accessible, quality products that don't hurt your pockets."
Rhiannon Blahnik , Sweet Thing Baked Goods
“Hi, sweet tooth! If you like sweet things of all kinds, we've got you covered. We're a custom order-based bakery in Cleveland that also makes one of a kind "sugary" treats like baked goods magnets and jewelry. But if you have a taste for melt-in-your-mouth meringues, sumptuous shortbread, or elaborately decorated sugar cookies, Sweet Thing Baked Goods has got you! Everything is made from scratch and decorated with attention to detail. Cookies make great gifts for events of all kinds, so talk to us at the show to place an order."
Jennifer Bernzweig, Akron Antiques (Formerly Hennysartiques)
“I make jewelry from antique recycled items, from silverware, buttons, pocketwatches, Thimbles and other vintage and antique items. Taking items that have hidden in drawers and the backs of closets to make something new and wearable."